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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2006

Preferences for working hours over life course among Japanese manufacturing workers

Tetsushi Fujimoto

The paper sets out to explore how Japanese workers want to allocate their time to work and private life in different stages of life. To examine whether they prefer to…

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Abstract

Purpose

The paper sets out to explore how Japanese workers want to allocate their time to work and private life in different stages of life. To examine whether they prefer to reduce hours in paid work and spend more time on family and leisure.

Design/methodology/approach

A statistical analysis was conducted using data from a survey conducted among 3,800 Japanese automotive workers in 2000. Analysis consists of mean comparisons of ideal proportion of work across different stages of life, and comparison of attitudes toward taking leave by age and job type.

Findings

The results of this paper show that a majority of Japanese workers, regardless of age and job type, have a strong preference to work constantly without major career disruptions between ages 20 and 60, then reduce drastically the time spent in paid work after job retirement at age 60. The results suggest that, although Japanese today increasingly recognize the importance of integrating work and private life, deviation from the “normalcy” of work life, or constant working over life course, is still unlikely to be welcome.

Research limitations/implications

Data used in this study were collected only among automotive workers. Caution should be used when generalizing the results to a broader range of industries in Japan.

Originality/value

This study addresses a simple but important question whether and how Japanese want to integrate work and private life over life course. This question deserves a close scrutiny to understanding whether a career perspective over life course is changing in today's Japan.

Details

Career Development International, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/13620430610661731
ISSN: 1362-0436

Keywords

  • Japan
  • Job satisfaction
  • Automotive industry
  • Working patterns

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Article
Publication date: 29 October 2020

Family-supportive organizational environment and turnover intention

Fatemeh Taheri

The purpose of this paper is to test a model in which family-supportive organizational environment is associated with lower levels of turnover intention through higher…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test a model in which family-supportive organizational environment is associated with lower levels of turnover intention through higher levels of work-family enrichment and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of 300 employees, the bootstrap procedure for estimating indirect correlations in multiple mediator models was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that employees experiencing high levels of family-supportive organizational environment are likely to report lower intention to leave their profession by virtue of their higher levels of job satisfaction and work-life enrichment.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to public organization and sample size. Further research is needed to make comparison between large/state-owned and small/private organizations.

Practical implications

In the Iran context, work-family enrichment and job satisfaction are effective in reducing the employees' turnover intention. Organizations should show concerns for the employees' work-life enrichment and job satisfaction to reduce their turnover intention.

Social implications

Turnover is one of the problems of organizations in many countries throughout the world including Iran, which has negative consequences through increasing the cost of organizations. The results of this study suggest ways in which staff retention could be improved.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to supportive organizational environment literature by addressing the relationship between family-supportive organizational environment and employee-related outcomes. Given some commonalities between Iran and other developing countries, the findings might be of potential interest in comparative studies dealing with the employees' turnover issue.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-10-2019-0467
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

  • Family-supportive organizational environment
  • Work-family enrichment
  • Turnover intention
  • Job satisfaction

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Book part
Publication date: 27 October 2016

How Work-Life Balance, Job Performance, and Ethics Connect: Perspectives of Current and Future Accountants

Katherine T. Smith, L. Murphy Smith and Tracy R. Brower

Prior research has shown that a work environment that facilitates work-life balance not only benefits the personal lives of employees but also leads to better job…

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Abstract

Prior research has shown that a work environment that facilitates work-life balance not only benefits the personal lives of employees but also leads to better job performance and ethical decision-making. Allocation of time between career and personal life is an age-old challenge for working people. Work-life balance refers to the manner in which people distribute time between their jobs and other activities, such as family, personal pursuits, and community involvement. This study compares the work-life balance perspectives of current and future accountants. Three research questions are examined. The first relates to the importance accountants place on work-life balance. The second concerns how work-life balance perspectives of current practitioners compare to future accountants. The third considers how gender differences affect work-life balance perspectives. Data for analysis was obtained via a survey of current accounting practitioners and of future accountants (students near graduation). Findings indicate that both current and future accountants believe that a healthy work-life balance is connected to work satisfaction, work performance, and ethical decision-making.

Details

Research on Professional Responsibility and Ethics in Accounting
Type: Book
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/S1574-076520160000020008
ISBN: 978-1-78560-973-2

Keywords

  • Work-life balance
  • ethics
  • accounting profession

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Book part
Publication date: 15 October 2013

On the fast track: Dual military couples navigating institutional structures ☆

This research was sponsored by the Navy Office of Women’s Policy (N134W). The views of the authors are their own and do not purport to reflect the position of the United States Naval Academy, the Department of the Navy, or the Department of Defense.

David G. Smith and Mady Wechsler Segal

Institutional structures of professional career paths often support breadwinner–homemaker families, with a stay at home wife available full time to support the…

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Abstract

Institutional structures of professional career paths often support breadwinner–homemaker families, with a stay at home wife available full time to support the professional (and children), so the professional can devote complete energy and time to developing a career. This research examines how two partners in the same narrowly structured, fast track occupational culture such as those occurring for dual military officer couples shape how women and men negotiate decision making and life events. Data from interviews with 23 dual U.S. Navy officer couples build upon Becker and Moen’s (1999) scaling back notions. With both spouses in these careers, placing limits on work is extremely difficult due to fast track cultures that demand higher status choices and structures that formally do not reliably consider collocations. Trading off occurs, but with distress due to the unique demands on two partners in the fast track culture, which means career death for some. Two partners in fast track careers may not yet have given up on two careers as many peers may have, but they lose a great deal, including time together and their desired number of children. But they ultimately posit individual choice rather than focusing on structural change. The pressured family life resulting is likely similar to that for partners in other narrowly structured, fast track cultures such as in law firms and academia.

Details

Visions of the 21st Century Family: Transforming Structures and Identities
Type: Book
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/S1530-3535(2013)0000007011
ISBN: 978-1-78350-028-4

Keywords

  • Dual career
  • military women
  • military families
  • life course
  • work and family

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Book part
Publication date: 18 November 2020

Work–Family Life Balance in the Changing Business World

Meral Erdirençelebi

In recent years, preparations for the transition from the Post-industrial society to Community 5.0 have been continuing at full speed. The change in this process…

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Abstract

In recent years, preparations for the transition from the Post-industrial society to Community 5.0 have been continuing at full speed. The change in this process necessitates changes in the roles and structure of the labour force in societies. While work and family living spaces of the individual change the dimensions of his/her interaction, they increase the importance of work–family life balance gradually. The basis of conflicts (imbalances) in roles in work and family life is based on three pillars: time, tension and behaviour. The conflicts in the work and family life spaces take place in two sub-dimensions, namely ‘work-family conflict’ which is directed from work to family and ‘family-work conflict’ which is directed from family to work. The conflict between work and family life leads to individual, organisational and familial consequences. Effective communication with the social support of the organisation and the members of family is of great importance for individuals not to experience a work–family conflict.

Details

Contemporary Global Issues in Human Resource Management
Type: Book
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-392-220201007
ISBN: 978-1-80043-393-9

Keywords

  • Role conflict
  • work–family life conflict
  • family–work conflict
  • work–family conflict
  • work–family life balance

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Article
Publication date: 1 August 2020

The relationship between quality of work life and work life balancemediating role of job stress, job satisfaction and job commitment: evidence from India

Alex Aruldoss, Kellyann Berube Kowalski and Satyanarayana Parayitam

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between quality of work-life (QWL) and work-life balance (WLB).

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between quality of work-life (QWL) and work-life balance (WLB).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a structured survey instrument, this paper gathered data from 445 respondents in cosmopolitan city in southern part of India. First psychometric properties of the instrument were tested, and then hierarchical regression was used as a statistical technique for analyzing the data.

Findings

The hierarchical regression results indicated that QWL is (1) negatively related to job stress, (2) positively related to job satisfaction and (3) positively related to job commitment. The results also indicated that (1) job stress is negatively related to WLB, (2) job satisfaction is positively related to WLB and (3) job commitment is positively related to WLB. The results also show partial mediation of job stress, job satisfaction, and job commitment in the relationship between QWL and WLB.

Research limitations/implications

Since the present research is based on self-report measures, the limitations of social desirability bias and common method bias are inherent. However, sufficient care is taken to minimize these limitations. The research has implications for human resource managers in work organizations.

Practical implications

This study contributes to both practicing managers and the literature on human resource management. The study suggests that employers need to be aware of the importance of quality of work-life and work-life balance in achieving organizational effectiveness.

Social implications

The study is expected to contribute to the welfare of the society in terms of identifying the antecedents of work-life balance.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights about the effects of QWL on WLB through mediating variables. This is a conceptual model developed and tested and first of its kind in India.

Details

Journal of Advances in Management Research, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JAMR-05-2020-0082
ISSN: 0972-7981

Keywords

  • Quality of work life
  • Work life balance
  • Job satisfaction
  • Job stress
  • Job commitment

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Article
Publication date: 14 July 2020

Relationship between role overload and the work–family interface

Poonam Shripad Vatharkar and Meenakshi Aggarwal-Gupta

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between role overload (RO) and the work–family interface (work–life conflict and work–life enrichment) among…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between role overload (RO) and the work–family interface (work–life conflict and work–life enrichment) among bank employees and the moderating effects of personal life characteristics and commitments on this relationship. It aimed to bring out the importance of contextual factors in individual's interactions across various roles.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire based on validated instruments was designed and administered to 279 employees from the banking sector in India. The instrument was adapted to the local language to ensure ease of comprehension.

Findings

RO was positively correlated with both work interference with personal life (WIPL) and personal life interference with work (PLIW), and negatively correlated with work–personal life enrichment (WPLE). Gender, number of children and age of the youngest child significantly moderated the relationship between RO and WIPL.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited by the use of self-reported data and its cross-sectional nature. Future studies will need to include a larger sample with people from across the workplace hierarchy.

Practical implications

This paper provides valuable insight into the influence of personal life characteristics and commitments on RO and the work–family interface.

Originality/value

The banking sector is among the top 10 most stressful workplaces in India due to high work pressure and the threat of competition. These working conditions make it important to understand employee perceptions of RO and its impact on the work–family interface.

Details

South Asian Journal of Business Studies, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SAJBS-09-2019-0167
ISSN: 2398-628X

Keywords

  • Role overload
  • Work–life interface
  • Work interference with personal life
  • Personal life interference with work
  • Work–personal life enhancement
  • Gender
  • Dual income couple
  • Married
  • Children
  • Dependents

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Article
Publication date: 21 April 2020

Organization-based self-esteem and work-life outcomes

Judith R. Gordon and Elizabeth Hood

This study examines the relationship of organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) to work-life conflict and enrichment. It considers whether work engagement mediates this…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the relationship of organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) to work-life conflict and enrichment. It considers whether work engagement mediates this relationship and whether organizational support moderates the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from surveys completed by 271 academic life scientists and an MTurk sample of 197 full-time employees.

Findings

Overall, OBSE is significantly associated with work-life conflict and work-life enrichment, although the relationships between OBSE and life-work conflict and life-work enrichment were not significant for the academic scientist sample. Work engagement mediated the relationship between OBSE and work-life conflict and enrichment to varying extents. Organizational support moderated the relationship between OBSE and life-work conflict.

Research limitations/implications

The research extends the literature on work-life and life-work conflict and enrichment through demonstrating how personal resources at work, specifically OBSE and work engagement, impact the work-life interactions. It also extends the JD-R theory to show how personal resources may operate sequentially and whether organizational resources may interact with personal resources. Limitations include the lack of longitudinal data and the specific characteristics of the sample.

Practical implications

The results suggest that organizations should institute human resources practices that increase an individual’s OBSE because it is negatively associated with work-life conflict and positively associated with work-life enrichment.

Originality/value

Our research expands the limited study of how personal resources affect work-life conflict and enrichment. In particular, we look at previously unstudied but still important relationships of OBSE with work-life conflict and enrichment and whether work engagement mediates and organizational support moderates this relationship.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 50 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-09-2019-0484
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

  • Work-life conflict
  • Work-life enrichment
  • Work engagement
  • OBSE
  • Work-life culture

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Article
Publication date: 2 September 2019

In search of perfect boundaries? Entrepreneurs’ work-life balance

Toyin Ajibade Adisa, Gbolahan Gbadamosi, Tonbara Mordi and Chima Mordi

Does the self-employed nature of entrepreneurs’ business ventures mean that they have perfect boundaries between their work and nonwork lives? Drawing on border theory…

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Abstract

Purpose

Does the self-employed nature of entrepreneurs’ business ventures mean that they have perfect boundaries between their work and nonwork lives? Drawing on border theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine entrepreneurs’ work–life balance (WLB) in terms of how they construct and manage the borders between their work and nonwork lives.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a qualitative research approach to enhance their insight into entrepreneurs’ WLB using border theory. The study benefits from its empirical focus on Nigerian migrants in London who represent a distinct minority group living in urban areas in the developed world. Data for the study was collected over a three-month period, utilising semi-structured interviews as the primary method of data collection.

Findings

The study’s findings indicate that entrepreneurs prioritise “work” over “life” and reveal that entrepreneurs have little desire for boundaries as they work everywhere, which makes long working hours prevalent among them. Furthermore, the findings bring to the fore the prevalent social anomaly of entrepreneurs preferring to be unmarried, single and even divorced as a result of or associated with the entrepreneurs’ boundaries creation and management.

Research limitations/implications

The extent to which the findings of this research can be generalised is constrained by the limited and selected sample of the research.

Practical implications

Research on human resource management (HRM) in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or businesses in which entrepreneurs operate is still under developed. The issue of the size and the nature of an organisation (i.e. labour or product market influences, ownership structures, etc.) have profound implications for human resources (HR) structures, policies and practices and the quality of the WLB of entrepreneurs. Research on HRM and entrepreneurship is still evolving. Consequently, HRM in several entrepreneurial business ventures is sometimes (if not often) organisationally fluid and ad hoc. The main implication for this work environment is that there may be little structure in HRM policies and processes to help self-employed entrepreneurs in their ability to comprehensively manage border crossing and to achieve WLB.

Originality/value

This paper provides valuable insights into entrepreneurs’ work/nonwork boundaries, which is hugely influenced by the commodification of time and money. It also enriches work–life border theory and its social constructionist perspective.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 48 no. 6
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-06-2018-0197
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

  • Mixed methodologies
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Qualitative
  • Flexibility
  • Work-life balance (WLB)
  • Small to medium size enterprises (SME)

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Article
Publication date: 21 August 2019

Identity and border setting: a qualitative study of homeworkers in China

Trevor Tsz-Lok Lee and Xiyue Ma

The purpose of this study is to systematically analyze how homeworkers perceive, interpret and make sense of their situations in relation to work and leisure…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically analyze how homeworkers perceive, interpret and make sense of their situations in relation to work and leisure participation. Thus, this study examines the dynamics by which homeworkers struggle to manage leisure and work in their everyday lives, with a special emphasis on how they interpret and make sense of their leisure–work dilemmas.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the framework of a dynamic intersection of identity orientation and border-setting approach, this study analyzes qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 13 young, home-based teleworkers in Shanghai.

Findings

Unlike the purpose of family-friendly employment policies, homeworkers who had striven for a better leisure life ended up with frustration and disappointment, regardless of their attempts at separate leisure–work borders or not. In contrast, the overwhelming work in a homeworking context paradoxically led to a more fulfilling and satisfying life for most who prioritized work over all else in life.

Originality/value

In the cases of home-based work or other flexible work policies that aim to make a better balance of work and life, public attention has been directed merely toward a debate of whether these policies lead to an enhanced quality of leisure life or an intensification of work intrusion. However, understanding the complexity of such emerging phenomenon requires a richer, more nuanced explanation. In this light, this qualitative study of homeworkers’ lived experiences is sociologically relevant for deciphering the relationship between leisure and work in the late-modern society that entails an evolving process of negotiating identities and situational variability.

Details

Social Transformations in Chinese Societies, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/STICS-12-2018-0018
ISSN: 1871-2673

Keywords

  • Homeworking
  • Border setting
  • Leisure–work conflict

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